SOLD / SOLD! Zoomorphic Circumcision Mask BEMBE Congo Circumcision Owl Mask MC0867
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“ The animal that dominates the heights of the forest, the master of death, is the owl ( cwecwe : generic term). His mask will protect, in particular, the circumcised batende from the poisonous gaze of sorcerers " (PP Gossiaux, p age 19 )
The Bembe are established in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, north of Lake Tanganyika. (Not to be confused with the Beembe who are sometimes also spelled Bembe and who are a people of the Kongo group)
They consider themselves as the descendants of the Lega to whom they are culturally close. Thus, the Bwamè of the Bembe has many points in common with the Bwami of the Lega.
At the same time, there are other secret associations like the Elunda and the Alunga, whose helm mask is well known to Congo art lovers.
ITEM TYPE: Mask
ETHNICITY: Bembe.
ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of Congo.
DIMENSIONS: Height 33 cm
CONDITION: Bad
No base
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- Persona. Masks from Africa. Hidden and Revealed Identities, Anne-Marie Bouttiaux Editions 5 Continents & RMCA (Tervuren Museum)
BEMBE Large zoomorphic Owl mask
"The animal that dominates the heights of the forest, the master of death, is the owl (cwecwe: generic term). this mask will protect, in particular, circumcised batende against poisonous eyes of wizards" (PP Gossiaux, page 19)
At the same time, they have other secret associations such as Elunda and Alunga, whose mask helmets are well known by Congo art lovers